Chautauqua County health officials say a horse in the town of Kiantone has died after being exposed to the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE).
The Chautauqua County County Department of Health and Human Services sent out a release Friday, saying it was notified earlier in the day of its first case ever of EEE in a privately owned horse. The horse developed neurological symptoms and was euthanized. It was subsequently tested and results confirmed that it had EEE.
According to county health director Christine Schuyler, the diagnosis follows a summer of unprecedented EEE activity in the area where the horse was stabled. She says it is the first ever case of equine EEE in the County and the first equine case in New York State in 2013.
The County has been on heightened alert against EEE and the West Nile Virus after 26 positive mosquito pools had been detected in the southeast corner of the county since August 9. Following a declaration of an Imminent Threat to Public Health by the New York State Health Commissioner, county health officials gave approval for the aerial spraying in the towns of Kiantone and Carroll.
Schuyler reminds residents that the best way to protect against either virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. That includes using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants while outside at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
For more information on EEE, visit www.myhealthycounty.com.
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